Exodus 6:3

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I appeared to Avraham, Yitz'chak and Ya'akov as El Shaddai, although I did not make myself known to them by my name, Yud-Heh-Vav-Heh [ADONAI].

Berean Standard Bible:

I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make Myself known to them.

American Standard Version:

and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, as God Almighty; but by my name Jehovah I was not known to them.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And I appeared^{H7200} unto Abraham^{H85}, unto Isaac^{H3327}, and unto Jacob^{H3290}, by the name of God^{H410} Almighty^{H7706}, but by my name^{H8034} JEHOVAH^{H3068} was I not known^{H3045} to them.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Exodus 6:3

Exodus 6:3 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of the Israelites and speaks to the heart of their covenantal relationship with God. Set within the context of the book of Exodus, which recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, this verse is part of God's response to Moses when he questions his own adequacy to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

In this verse, God is reassuring Moses by reminding him of the divine promises made to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The significance of the verse lies in the distinction between two names of God: "God Almighty" (El Shaddai in Hebrew) and "JEHOVAH" (YHWH, or Yahweh, in English). The name "God Almighty" was known to the patriarchs and is associated with God's power and fertility, as seen in the blessings and promises of numerous descendants.

However, the name "JEHOVAH" (YHWH), which is the personal name of God, is said to have not been fully revealed or understood in its full significance by the patriarchs. This name is linked to the idea of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His self-existence, often translated as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). The declaration in Exodus 6:3 thus marks a new phase in the relationship between God and His people, emphasizing that the fulfillment of the covenant promises is at hand. It is a moment of revelation where God is making Himself known in a more intimate and salvific way, promising to deliver the Israelites from bondage and to establish His covenant with them.

The historical context of this verse is the period of Israelite enslavement in Egypt, which sets the stage for the Exodus event—a central and formative narrative in Jewish identity and theology. This verse underscores themes of divine identity, covenant faithfulness, and the ongoing revelation of God's character and purposes to His people throughout biblical history.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7200
   There are 1212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: רָאָה
   Transliteration: râʼâh
   Pronunciation: raw-aw'
   Description: a primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative); advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions.
   
2. Strong's Number: H85
   There are 1159 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַבְרָהָם
   Transliteration: ʼAbrâhâm
   Pronunciation: ab-raw-hawm'
   Description: contracted from אָב and an unused root (probably meaning to be populous); father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram; Abraham.
   
3. Strong's Number: H3327
   There are 101 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יִצְחָק
   Transliteration: Yitschâq
   Pronunciation: yits-khawk'
   Description: from צָחַק; laughter (i.e. mochery); Jitschak (or Isaac), son of Abraham; Isaac. Compare יִשְׂחָק.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3290
   There are 319 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יַעֲקֹב
   Transliteration: Yaʻăqôb
   Pronunciation: yah-ak-obe'
   Description: from עָקַב; heel-catcher (i.e. supplanter); Jaakob, the Israelitish patriarch; Jacob.
   
5. Strong's Number: H410
   There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵל
   Transliteration: ʼêl
   Pronunciation: ale
   Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.'
   
6. Strong's Number: H7706
   There are 48 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁדַּי
   Transliteration: Shadday
   Pronunciation: shad-dah'-ee
   Description: from שָׁדַד; the Almighty; Almighty.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8034
   There are 771 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֵׁם
   Transliteration: shêm
   Pronunciation: shame
   Description: a primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as amark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
   
8. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
9. Strong's Number: H3045
   There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יָדַע
   Transliteration: yâdaʻ
   Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
   Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot.